How do people get capes? Do they buy them or is it something different?
Minecraft 1.7.2 how do I get a cape?
XxEsCGhilLiExX
Capes are generally reserved for Minecon attendees & are displayable on all servers.
HOWEVER, server staff (admins, mods, ops) can be designated with a server-specific cape to separate them from the general players… But it's restricted to just their server.
TStodden
The only three legitimate capes that people have gotten were from Minecon. It's given to everyone who participates, for free (excluding the entrance fee). Mojang will usually create a convention every year. The last three were in Las Vegas, Paris, and Florida. I believe Minecon 2014 is in development.
You can also get a cape in Minecraft by using Mods created by other people. However, using a cape mod will only make you the one able to see your cape, not other people.
Vincent
Information about all the legitimate capes can be found here:
Matthew